What Did Women Wear in the 1950s: Fashion Trends of the Post-War Era

The 1950s marked a pivotal era in women’s fashion. After World War II, styles shifted dramatically from practical wartime clothing to more feminine and glamorous looks.

Women embraced new silhouettes and trends that celebrated curves and elegance.

What Did Women Wear in the 1950s: Fashion Trends of the Post-War Era

Women in the 1950s typically wore full skirts, fitted blouses, tailored suits, and elegant dresses. The hourglass figure was popular, achieved through cinched waists and full busts.

Dior’s “New Look” introduced nipped-in waists and voluminous skirts, setting the tone for much of the decade’s fashion.

Accessories played a big role in 1950s style.

Women paired their outfits with hats, gloves, and stylish handbags. Pearls and brooches added a touch of sophistication.

Hemlines varied but generally fell below the knee, reflecting the era’s conservative values.

Key Takeaways

  • Women’s fashion in the 1950s emphasized femininity with full skirts and fitted tops.
  • Accessories like hats, gloves, and pearls were essential to complete 1950s looks.
  • The decade saw a mix of conservative styles and the emergence of youth-oriented fashion trends.

Historical Context of 1950s Fashion

The 1950s saw major shifts in women’s fashion. These changes were shaped by post-war influences and innovative designers.

Post-World War II Influence

World War II had a big impact on 1950s fashion. When the war ended, many women left factory jobs. They returned home as families could now live on one income.

This led to a new focus on the housewife role. Fashion reflected this shift. Styles became more feminine and elegant.

The war’s end also brought economic growth. People had more money to spend on clothes. This fueled the rise of consumer culture in fashion.

The New Look by Christian Dior

In 1947, Christian Dior changed fashion with his “New Look”. This style defined 1950s women’s fashion.

The New Look had:

  • Nipped-in waists
  • Full skirts
  • Soft shoulders

It used lots of fabric, which was a change from wartime rationing. The style celebrated femininity and luxury.

Dior’s designs influenced other designers. Soon, the New Look was seen in clothing for women of all classes. It marked a clear break from the practical styles of the 1940s.

Silhouettes and Shapes

The 1950s saw distinct clothing shapes that defined women’s fashion. These styles emphasized feminine curves and a polished look.

Cinched Waists and Hourglass Figure

Women’s fashion in the 1950s was all about creating an hourglass silhouette.

Dresses and tops often had tight waists to show off a slim middle.

Many women used special undergarments to get this look. Girdles and corsets were popular choices. They helped smooth the tummy and hips.

Tops and dresses had details that made waists look smaller. Belts were a common accessory. Wide belts in contrasting colors drew attention to the waist.

Full Skirts and Circle Skirts

Full skirts were a big trend. They gave women a fun, flirty look. Circle skirts were especially popular. These skirts formed a full circle when laid flat.

Women wore petticoats under their skirts. These puffy underskirts made the outer skirt stand out more. Some women wore multiple petticoats for extra volume.

Swing dresses combined a fitted top with a full skirt. This style was great for dancing. It moved easily and looked graceful.

Pencil Skirts and Sheath Dresses

Not all 1950s styles were about big skirts. Pencil skirts were slim and figure-hugging. They often ended just below the knee. These skirts showed off a woman’s curves.

Sheath dresses were another sleek option. They were form-fitting from the chest to the hem. These dresses were popular for work and formal events.

Both pencil skirts and sheath dresses often had a small slit in the back. This made it easier to walk and sit down.

Iconic Outfits and Pieces

The 1950s saw a range of clothing styles that defined the era. Women embraced both casual and formal looks that showcased femininity and elegance.

Poodle Skirts and Pedal Pushers

Poodle skirts were a playful symbol of 1950s fashion. These circular skirts featured appliqués, often a poodle, and were worn with blouses and cardigans.

Teenage girls loved pairing poodle skirts with saddle shoes for a fun, youthful look. The skirts came in bright colors and patterns, making them perfect for sock hops and casual outings.

Pedal pushers, cropped pants that ended just below the knee, offered a practical alternative to skirts. Women wore them for casual activities and paired them with fitted tops.

Pencil Dresses and Capri Pants

Pencil dresses highlighted the female form with their sleek, fitted silhouettes. These dresses hugged curves and often featured high necklines and short sleeves.

Women wore pencil dresses to work and social events. The style was flattering on many body types and could be dressed up or down with accessories.

Capri pants became popular as a comfortable yet stylish option. These cropped pants ended at mid-calf and were often worn with flats or low heels.

Evening Gowns and Cocktail Dresses

For formal events, women donned elegant evening gowns. These dresses featured full skirts, fitted bodices, and luxurious fabrics like silk and taffeta.

Strapless gowns were particularly fashionable. Women often wore them with long gloves for added sophistication.

Cocktail dresses offered a balance between casual and formal wear. These dresses were shorter than evening gowns but still elegant.

Popular cocktail dress styles included the sheath dress and the fit-and-flare silhouette. Women accessorized with pearl necklaces and small handbags to complete their looks.

Popular Fabrics and Patterns

Women’s fashion in the 1950s featured a variety of eye-catching fabrics and patterns. These textiles played a key role in defining the decade’s iconic looks.

Polka Dots and Gingham

Polka dots were a favorite pattern in 1950s women’s clothing. They appeared on dresses, blouses, and accessories. Large polka dots made bold statements, while smaller dots offered a subtler look.

Gingham, a checkered fabric, also gained popularity. It was often seen in summer dresses and picnic outfits. Gingham came in various colors, with red and blue being common choices.

Both patterns were versatile. They worked well for casual daywear and more formal occasions. Polka dots and gingham added a playful, feminine touch to 1950s fashion.

Denim and Gingham

Denim emerged as a casual fabric choice in the 1950s. Women wore denim jeans for lounging at home or outdoor activities. Denim skirts and jackets also became fashionable options.

Gingham continued its popularity in this context too. It was often paired with denim for a coordinated look. Gingham blouses worn with denim bottoms created a classic 1950s outfit.

This combination of fabrics represented a shift towards more relaxed, everyday styles. It reflected the growing trend of casual wear in women’s fashion during the decade.

Footwear and Accessories

Women’s footwear and accessories in the 1950s were elegant and feminine. These items added the finishing touches to outfits and reflected the decade’s focus on polished style.

Shoes from Saddle to Stiletto

1950s shoe styles ranged from casual to glamorous. Saddle shoes, popular among teens, had a distinctive two-tone design.

Ballet flats offered comfort and simplicity for everyday wear.

Kitten heels gained popularity as a more wearable alternative to stilettos. These low heels, usually 1-2 inches, provided a ladylike look without sacrificing comfort.

Stiletto heels became a symbol of 1950s glamour. These tall, thin heels elongated the leg and added sophistication to evening wear.

Jewelry and Gloves

Jewelry in the 1950s was often bold and eye-catching. Pearl necklaces and earrings were staples, worn for both day and evening looks.

Costume jewelry became increasingly popular. Brooches, often featuring floral or abstract designs, adorned lapels and collars.

Gloves were an essential accessory. Women wore short gloves for daytime and long gloves for formal events. White gloves were especially popular for their crisp, clean look.

Hats and Handbags

Small hats were fashionable throughout the decade. Pillbox hats, made famous by Jackie Kennedy, sat perched on the crown of the head.

Straw hats provided a practical and stylish option for summer. These often featured wide brims for sun protection.

Handbags in the 1950s were typically small and structured. Box-shaped bags and clutches complemented the decade’s tailored clothing styles.

Belts cinched the waist of dresses and separates. Wide belts emphasized the popular hourglass silhouette of the era.

Influence of Celebrities and Icons

Famous actresses and style icons shaped 1950s fashion trends. Their looks were copied by women around the world.

Style Icons: Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe

Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe were two of the biggest fashion icons of the 1950s.

Hepburn’s elegant style featured simple, chic looks. She often wore Givenchy designs.

Monroe’s glamorous style was more daring. She favored form-fitting dresses and high heels. Both actresses influenced how regular women dressed.

Other notable style icons included Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. Kelly was known for her refined, ladylike outfits. Taylor’s bold style often featured jewels and bright colors.

Cinematic Fashion Influence

Movies played a big role in spreading fashion trends. Hollywood stars wore designer clothes on and off screen. This helped make certain styles popular.

Audrey Hepburn’s outfits in films like “Roman Holiday” inspired many women. The full skirts and sweater sets worn by actresses became fashion staples.

Chanel suits also gained popularity thanks to their appearance in movies. These outfits combined style and practicality, appealing to many women.

Casual and Youth Fashion

The 1950s saw a rise in casual and youth-oriented fashion. Teens developed their own unique styles, while casual clothing became more common for everyday wear.

Teenage Culture and the Greaser Style

Teenage culture flourished in the 1950s. Rockabilly music influenced teen fashion, especially among boys. The greaser style emerged as a popular look.

Greaser boys wore:

  • White t-shirts
  • Leather jackets
  • Cuffed jeans
  • Slicked-back hair

Girls embraced a softer version of the style. They often wore:

Swing dancing remained popular among teens. Girls wore full skirts for easier movement on the dance floor.

Casual Clothing and Denim Jeans

Casual clothing became more accepted in daily life. Denim jeans, once associated with workwear, gained popularity among both men and women.

Women’s casual wear included:

  • Capri pants
  • Sleeveless blouses
  • Cardigans
  • Sandals for summer

Men often wore:

  • Polo shirts
  • Chino pants
  • Loafers

Casual clothing allowed for more comfort and practicality. It reflected the changing attitudes of the decade, as people sought more relaxed styles for everyday activities.

Swimwear and Sportswear

Women’s swimwear and sportswear in the 1950s focused on flattering silhouettes and practical designs. The era saw the rise of new fabrics and styles that allowed for greater comfort and movement.

Swimsuits and Bikinis

1950s swimsuits were designed to enhance the female figure. One-piece suits remained popular, often featuring built-in support and ruching to create an hourglass shape. These suits often had sweetheart necklines and boy-cut legs.

Fabric innovations improved swimwear comfort and function. Nylon and elastic were added to jerseys, making suits stretchier and quicker to dry. Lastex, a rubberized material, was combined with acetate, taffeta, and cotton for better fit and durability.

The two-piece bikini, though introduced in the 1940s, gained more acceptance in the 1950s. However, it was still considered daring and wasn’t widely worn. Most women opted for more modest two-piece styles with high-waisted bottoms.

Activewear and Tennis Outfits

1950s activewear emphasized femininity even during sports. Tennis outfits were a prime example of this trend. Women wore short, pleated skirts paired with tucked-in blouses or sleeveless tops.

For general exercise, women often wore high-waisted shorts with fitted tops. These outfits allowed for movement while maintaining a neat appearance. Comfortable sneakers or canvas shoes completed the look.

Casual sportswear also included capri pants and pedal pushers, which were popular for activities like cycling or casual outings. These were often paired with fitted blouses or knit tops for a sporty yet feminine look.

Fashion Evolution Throughout the Decade

Women’s fashion in the 1950s saw major changes. Styles shifted from structured looks to more relaxed outfits. New trends emerged as the decade progressed.

Early 1950s Styles

The early 1950s brought sleek, sophisticated looks. Dior’s “New Look” defined the era with nipped waists and full skirts. Women wore fitted jackets and pencil skirts for a polished appearance.

Dresses featured tight bodices and voluminous skirts. Petticoats added extra fullness. Hemlines hit mid-calf.

Accessories were key. Women wore hats, gloves, and pearls to complete outfits. High heels and pumps were popular footwear choices.

Mid to Late 1950s Developments

By the mid-1950s, fashion began to loosen up. Casual clothing gained popularity for everyday wear. Capri pants and pedal pushers offered comfort and style.

The rise of rock and roll influenced fashion. Teenage girls embraced poodle skirts and saddle shoes. Sweater sets became a staple for young women.

Sheath dresses emerged as an alternative to full skirts. These straight, narrow dresses created a streamlined silhouette.

Trapeze dresses introduced by Yves Saint Laurent offered a new shape. These dresses flared from the shoulders, moving away from defined waists.

Makeup and Hairstyling

Women in the 1950s embraced glamorous makeup looks and elegant hairstyles. Red lips and winged eyeliner defined the era’s iconic beauty trends, while curled hair and sophisticated updos were all the rage.

Iconic Makeup: Winged Eyeliner and Red Lips

The 1950s saw a rise in bold, feminine makeup. Winged eyeliner became a signature look, with women extending their eyeliner past the outer corner of the eye. This “cat-eye” style grew more dramatic as the decade progressed.

Red lipstick was a must-have for many women. They often paired it with a clear gloss for added shine. Pale, matte foundation provided a flawless base, while rosy blush added a youthful glow to the cheeks.

Eyebrows were neatly groomed and slightly arched. Women used eyebrow pencils to create a defined shape. Mascara was applied generously to enhance lash volume and length.

Popular Hairstyles: Curls and Updos

1950s hairstyles ranged from short crops to elegant updos.

Short hairstyles were popular among housewives for their practicality. These included the pixie cut and the poodle cut, both featuring tight curls.

Medium-length styles often featured soft waves or curls. Women used rollers or pin curls to achieve these looks.

The pageboy, a shoulder-length cut with curved ends, was also trendy.

For formal occasions, updos were the go-to choice.

The French twist and the chignon were elegant options. Teasing and backcombing added volume to these styles.

Accessories like decorative combs and headbands completed the look.

Long hair was less common but still seen, especially among younger women.

They often wore it in high ponytails or loose waves.